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Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe agrees to DUI intervention program

Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after state troopers say he was found asleep behind the wheel of his car after a crash.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -

The mayor of Gainesville has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement that resolves his DUI case.

Craig Lowe will participate in a DUI intervention program, which is made available to first offenders with no significant criminal or traffic history. The state attorney's office in Gainesville announced the agreement Monday.

Last month, Lowe was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after he was involved in a crash. When Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrived, they found Lowe asleep behind the wheel.

Lowe reportedly told troopers he fell asleep while driving.

The mayor will be required to complete all requirements for those convicted of DUI. He'll be monitored for 18 months and give up his driver's license for 14 days.

In a statement, Lowe said he accepts full responsibility for his March 21 DUI arrest, which he called "poor judgment." He said he will complete the program, which also includes 50 hours of community service and an alcohol evaluation.

Lowe will seek to retain his position in a runoff election April 16.

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